DryHop Brewers – Striking While It’s Hot – Part III

By: Marty Nachel

After previously looking at the start-up process and in-house workings of the Chicago brewery, DryHop Brewery, Writer Marty Nachel now highlights the future of the business.

So, where to go from here? The youthful and engaged-to-be-married Greg Shuff is wasting no time parlaying his success at DryHop Brewers into a second brewpub operation near Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood (3446 N. Southport). When you’ve been recognized by Zagat “30 Under 30: Hottest Up and Comers of 2013” and Full Service Restaurant Magazine “40 Under 40: FSR’s Rising Stars” in 2014, you strike while the iron’s hot. Or brew kettle, or whatever. This one, christened Corridor Brewery & Provisions, is being designed with a Belgian Farmhouse feel. It’s due to open in late Summer of 2016.

Meanwhile, the DryHop draught beers are available for carry-out purchase by way of 64-oz. growler or 32-oz. “crowler” (a one-use only aluminum can). To say that this is popular with the locals is a vast understatement, as up to 20% of all the beer produced there is walked out the front door.

And if you’re lucky enough, you can become a member of the exclusive DHB Beer League (currently at 125 members). For thirty bucks you get a free (filled) growler, you get to drink out of a custom DHB glass while imbibing at DryHop, a take-home DHB 2nd Anniversary pint glass, an annual birthday beer, buy 9 beers and get the 10th free, 20% off DHB merchandise, and invitations to special events and tappings. For more information about membership, inquire within.

And if all of this talk about beer isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you’ll find something of interest on the drinks menu, like their extensive list of bourbons, whiskies, ryes and single malt Scotches, or wines and cocktails.